River Road Developing Brian Wilson Film

River Road Entertainment has secured the life rights of musician Brian Wilson as well as those of his wife Melinda Wilson, and is actively developing a feature film centered on the mercurial singer, songwriter and leader of The Beach Boys. Oren Moverman, who co-wrote and directed The Messenger which earned him an Academy Award® Nomination for Best Original Screenplay, is currently writing the script. River Road founder Bill Pohlad and John Wells Productions will produce, with Jim Lefkowitz executive producing.

Wilson wrote over fifteen Top 40 hit singles and the groundbreaking masterpiece “Pet Sounds” before suffering a nervous breakdown during the making of the highly-anticipated follow-up album “Smile.” The film will take an unconventional look at Wilson’s unique musical process as well as his struggles with mental illness, and how he managed to persevere as an artist with the love and support of his wife Melinda.

Moverman is repped by WME and NY Office. He just completed Rampart, which he co-wrote, directed and reunites him with Woody Harrelson. Moverman is currently working on the “Untitled Kurt Cobain Project” for Working Title and Universal.